Not Home Yet

On July 20th, 2010 my friend Devin Green died unexpectedly. Devin was a friend of mine that I had met on a mission trip in Rowlesburg, West Virginia in 2004. He was saved and baptized in a river in the town while I was there. I have so many good memories of how he made everyone around him smile and his contagious laughter that I will never forget. I had recently become Facebook friends with Devin, creating contact with him easier. I had been speaking with him about how he was doing but now I am hoping I said everything to him I needed to. I still am in shock that my friend is gone but I am comforted that he has only gone home before me. As I am realizing today that I have only one week left in Mahasarakham, it is easy for me to become discouraged that I have not seen anyone come to Christ and give in to the thought that my time here is unsubstantial, pointless even. I am reminded however, in Matthew 13:31-32 and Mark 4:30-32 that I am but a small part in God’s plan and to not become selfish in thinking I deserve to see something happen. I am but a part of God’s plan, His perfect timing. I am only reminded further more with how short our time is here, not on a mission trip, on our life mission. We are here to serve Him and I pray that I will no longer waste any of that precious time. I am not home yet.

Chiang Mai "Vacation"

If getting sent to Thailand to share the good news wasn’t cool enough, my team got to go on a 4 day excursion to Chiang Mai. Monday and Tuesday was the Buddhist holiday, Khao Phansa, so we did not have to teach and many students had midterms so they would not be able to spend time with us. The best part was, two amazing university students were able to go with us making the trip so much more fun. We left Friday night on a one hour bus ride to Khon Kaen and got on our 12 hour bus ride to Chiang Mai. I unfortunately had one of my most embarrassing but funniest experiences on this trip when I chased down the bus that I had gotten off of to use the restroom only to find out it was just hooking up to drain its septic tank around the corner… but of course not speaking Thai only caused this to be more frustrating and confusing at 3am. After making it to Chiang Mai after circling all of the scary cliffs we went to our (by choice for a cheaper price) non-air conditioned Chang Guesthouse rooms around 10am, we walked down the street and cut a deal with Jack from Green Echo tourist company (I highly recommend) to make sure we did everything we could while we there. We did the night safari that night and it seriously felt like something from Jurassic Park. It was so beautiful and exciting. On Sunday we rode elephants through the rainforest, villages, and the river, walked through a local village where I could not resist buying from two small girls with their arms covered in bracelets (they were good), played in a waterfall, had an awesome lunch with a couple from London, and then got to go rafting on bamboo rafts. It was an absolute terrific day with some awesome tour guides. Then we went to the Sunday night Bazaar which is larger than the rest of the night. Endless rows of markets were formed where Kristen and I searched for hours for all of you special people some really cool things. Unfortunately, we came to realize that we were used to Sarakham markets and lower prices or vendors more willing to haggle their prices down. It was not later until we were in our rooms looking over what we had purchased that we realized it was still incredibly less expensive and nicer than in America. Then came Monday, we got picked up with and brought to the orchid farm. I have never seen so many gorgeous flowers in my life; you could even buy preserved orchid jewelry… I did not though. Then we went whitewater rafting in a river through the rainforest, it was so much fun. We were with five other French people my age so I volunteered to ride on the raft with them and it was so much fun! After another amazing lunch, we started our adventure hike up the mountain to zip line across, or more fittingly, above the rainforest. Next time, I’m looking for a package where you ride an elephant to the top. The zip lining experience included 25 platforms and three Thai guides. It was our team of six Americans, our two Thai friends, and six people from Holland. I was glad our friends were there to translate… sometimes it can be scary when you see people speaking in another language as they are tying yourself to a cable and getting ready to push you off a plank of wood meters above the trees. We ended that night by eating Mexican food (a first in two months) and then spending a few hours in the night market. The whole day was so much fun. Our last day on Tuesday, we were supposed to checkout by 11am but because we had so many bags, our super sweet guesthouse owners let us keep one room to take showers in and a locked storage room for us all to keep our bags in until it was time go to the bus stop. Our day was spent by going to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. It was actually cool that we went on this day because the holiday was still going on so we saw the rituals happening. After the Doi Suthep, we went to a few more specialty shops such as Baan Celadon (very nice and expensive ceramics) and then we were off to the bus station. After I had realized earlier in the day that my bank card had been stolen and I had to wake up Erica at 4am to help me (so sorry again sis), I was not expecting more things to go wrong. We were told by the bus station employee that we had missed our bus; our tickets were for Monday night and that we would have to buy more tickets and all of the bus were full. Oh Lord, help us, I thought. I was quickly reminded of smiling and keeping my patience even though this posed a serious dilemma seen how I had no money and my team had to be back to teach in 15 hours. Thanks to having our Thai friends with us, they were able to work out where three rode in the floor on one bus leaving in time to get back to teach and the other five of us wait on the 3:45am bus and try to get tickets. The not so great situation quickly became an adventure and knowing someone would be able to teach was comforting so the rest of us walked down the street and found a guesthouse that would rent us an air conditioned room for us all to chill out in until our bus. We got snacked and had a fun time talking and laughing together. We then got to experience the beautiful parts of the drive back to Sarakham in daylight. Thank God for the little things.

Awesome Hosts

So yeah, I just wanted to throw in here how amazing our host missionaries are. I could have been sent anywhere around the earth and God sent me here; Mahasarakham, Thailand where the Payne’s are keeping everyone’s spirits up. I could not tell you how many laughs we have had with this awesome couple. They and their three beautiful children, Oliver, Charlotte, and Elliot, are such an inspiration to me. I have been able to see our Lottie Moon funds in good use at work first hand in this very dark area. I have felt so comfortable and safe the whole time I was here with the advice and knowledge from Scott and Valerie. Our orientation was insightful and through. Our living quarters are very nice, and our days have been organized by prayer and experience. Valerie has cooked a great dinner and an awesome big breakfast for us too! I have greatly appreciated the love the couple shows to each other, their children, the Thai people, and to me. Scott and Valerie Payne… you rock.

Bangkok

As a group decision, Ginny, Josh, and I decided we would have a free weekend to visit Bangkok. Hannah went to Sisaket to visit a missionary family she knew and Kristen and Becca wanted to stay at the center for the weekend. Ginny’s special friend, Dan Vangsnes is serving as a missionary in Bangkok for the summer with his brother Ryan and his friend Gary. You may recognize the names from last year’s tragic car accident of Scott Minnear, Dan, Ryan, and Jeremy Vangsnes leaving three severely injured and Jeremy still to this day paralyzed. It has been a year since the car accident on July 21st. Family and friends raise support and encouragement with “Be Jeremy’s Legs” bracelets that I have the honor to wear and use as a reminder of my mission. LINK: http://www.fanhouse.com/videos/video/tagedge/be-jeremys-legs/696177495. Our trip to Bangkok was such an amazing experience. We were able to stay in a guestroom in the BSC (Baptist Student Center) and see the program they have continually growing. They teach English and share God’s word with anyone who will hear it. I was able to meet dozens of Thai Christians, many who had been saved through the spirit calling to them in this ministry. It was a good refreshment and reminder of my purpose this summer because it is very dark where I live and it can be very discouraging with such seeming apathy for God’s word when shared.

After surviving the 8 hour bus ride leaving us to take a taxi to the BSC at 6 am on Friday morning. We visited the JJ Market which is the largest market in the world. We only saw a small part but it was plenty of time for me to get some nice gifts for you guys! We also ate at SUBWAY (!!!!!!!!) for lunch in Siam Paragon which is a huge mall. Note the excitement of how amazing it was to eat a sandwich. The guys pointed out some of the areas that were burned during the political riots and showed us the mall that was heavily attacked. We then went on a long-tail boat tour down the Chao Phraya River that lasted about an hour with a stop to the dock of the snake farm. At the snake farm was several zoo-like exhibits where we bought bananas to feed the monkeys and such. The tiger they had gave us quite a good show but nothing compared to the snake show. Three snake charmers and one announcer spoke in broken English of the facts about the snakes as the show began. To our amazement we experienced a real cobra show with two cobras without any fangs or venom glands removed with one charmer. At one point the cobra shot off the stage right to my feet; very scary moment. Other snakes continued with the charmers do things I have never seen in the US, nor do I think would be legal 55. My favorite part of the trip was Saturday night. We met up with several students and visited one’s home and then went the huge park near the bridge. A couple of friends went and bought tons of food that we all shared under the moonlight in the park by the river. After dinner we went under the bridge where tons of people hang out and began to recklessly praising God. We were playing guitar, singing, and dancing and creating quite a show that many people stopped and watched. We were singing Thai praise songs and had song books and one man even came up and sang along. We also a “dance completion” with teams that including pairs of teams making up your own motions to Waves of Mercy that many near-by watchers voted for. It was so much fun to get to worship with such awesome people and make new friends. On Sunday, we got up and visited the BSC church. We were able to wear headphones and hear the English translation. Then we went to Duane and Jeanie’s house (Dan’s uncle and aunt who are missionaries in Bangkok). They prepared us a fantastic western style lunch of spaghetti, fruit and veggies, and chocolate cake. Thai students and friends came over after we ate and we had another fun day of worship and building relationships.

Na Doon

I was invited to go to a province, called Na Doon, a little over an hour away from Mahasarakham with a student that had a car. Another student of mine was able to come with us as well. It was so incredible how excited they were to make sure I was having a good time in Thailand. These particular students did not know as much English so communication was more difficult but it was just as enjoyable as any other experience here. They brought me to a Buddhist pagoda that was built in this location in honor of ancient ruins found under the earth. It was very beautiful and had a museum area around it. The students paid to have me photographed around it and the pictures were printed off there. Next we went to dinner. We ate at a restaurant in Sarakham I had never seen before. When we got out of the car my laundry lady (apparently holding a night position at this restaurant) ran up to greet me. The students were so confused to why I would recognize someone. We ate in a raised hut and had a great shared meal. Thai people generally share food unlike in America where we order our own dish. We then went to the market and had my nails done. I let my friend pick out the design, orange and white with flowers it was 5555! 5 or five=Ha in Thai, so they write this instead of hahaha :). We ended the night with an ice funny that they ran ahead and ordered for me so I couldn’t pay. As we went back to my apartment, my friends continued to question if I had fun. I am overwhelmed with the generosity of my new friends!

Roi-Et

All six member of my team piled into one of our students car (eight in all) and headed to her hometown province, Roi-Et. Her home is in the town of Roi-Et and she brought us all to meet her family and take us sight-seeing. We got to visit the tallest Buddha in Asia. It stood 67.5 meters tall overall. As emotional as you could imagine this was for us, it was a good reminder of why we are here. That night, her mother took us all out to dinner for yet more foods we had never seen before. It was so generous and we appreciated her bringing us for the day more than she will ever know.

The next weekend (this past weekend), Hannah and I had the opportunity to go back to Ro-Et for three days and two nights with her and her family. We jumped on the invitation and were even more excited to hear about the places our friend would take us. She brought us to Wat Pha Nam Yoi which is very famous in Thailand. We parked and then had a small hike up to the top of a hill where we were in awe. It was a massive temple six huge stories high. The gardens and water fountains inside the quad were gorgeous along with the immaculate designs with such precise detail. The way back to our car was even more fun walking down a brick wall-like walkway overlooking the mountains and hundreds of rice fields. I took dozens of pictures and sadly half of them were of the peacock I saw on the way down. We got to eat in a hut near the temple and it was such an extraordinary experience. Every meal on this trip, the previous, was provided for me and Hannah and we were able to try even more Thai dishes that were new to us. The next day we got to go to Roi-Et’s aquarium and have an awesome, conversation-filled, ride home. Besides being completely spoiled with real air conditioning, amazing food, and a soft bed, the generosity and quality time we shared was priceless.

Learning to Cook Thai Food

The same student then came over to my apartment on two different occasions with yet more interesting ingredients and taught me to cook green curry, ki jeow, and Asian spring rolls. All of which I am sure my roommate is going to appreciate when I get back. The experience of hanging out with these awesome students and seeing how excited they are to hang out with me has been such encouragement that I thank God for everyday. Please continue to pray for opportunities for me to share and to show His love and His purpose.

Suki

One of my students had me and my team over to her condo to cook and eat suki together. It, like most of my favorite Thai foods, is just plain fun to eat. She taught us how you cook the suki in a skillet appliance and begin mixing together different meats, vegetables, and spices. The student purchased the huge quantities of ingredients herself and worked very hard on the preparation to ensure we had a night we would never forget (and I will not).

Aerobics in the Park

There have been several days when I have had the chance to go to the local park in the mornings and run and it has been so fun but always very few people there, if any. Last Thursday I had the opportunity to go with two students in the evening to do aerobics. I thought I had entered I new world. The park was packed with Thai people doing so many different physical activities. People were running, dancing, playing Thai games, other sports or working out on the available facilities. This was one of the coolest cultural differences I have yet to see. In America, it always seems like the parks that are crowed have lots of people sitting around but not here! It was more fun than any other work-out I have ever been to. Aerobics is held with a trainer everyday in the park at 6pm. I am not sure who pays for this because it is free but it definitely gives a good example of how healthy this country’s people are. As I began the warm-up I thought, “Okay, there is a sixty year old woman in front of me, I can do this.” The truth is, she kicked my butt in the aerobics rating scale. Given, all direction was in Thai but I still don’t think I would ever be able to do some of the moves they did. The hardest part was probably following the Thai direction when the Thai jams transitioned into the Cha Cha Slide remix. I have to admit me, Kristen, and Ginny did clap our hands though.

The hour work-out turned a bit to the dramatic side when, to my surprise, a large green snake fell from the over-head tree right beside me. I looked down and said, “a snake. A SNAKE!!!!!!” I large bird had tried to capture it in the tree and continued the failed attempts to catch it as it slithered past me. The long, green snake hurried to the gazebo next to me and entered a woman’s purse; fortunately, the group of break dancing boys inside worked together with their badminton rackets to remove the snake from its sanctuary and saved the day. Even through all this commotion, most of the Thais continued their routine without batting an eye hah. I think this gives proof to my extreme workouts here in Thailand.

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Well, I had my first ice cream sandwich today… literally. We’re talking a roll type of bread with a first layering of clear gelatin balls (they put these on most desserts here), a glob of rice, strawberry and coconut ice cream topped with strawberry sauce and chocolate magic shell. Yum. Hannah and I could not resist sharing such an interesting creation. We are still not quite sure if the Thais fully understand bread yet, but they try. Hahaha!

Transportation

Even though the locals believe we are completely crazy for walking in the heat and on the busy roads; it is necessary at many times. We I am teaching at the old campus, there are no song theaws that pass when we are headed in this direction. A song theaw is Thai for “two rows.” It is a truck with a tall covering the bed with two rows of seats. It is like Mahsarakham’s bus route. It costs 8 baht (about $0.09) to travel on one of these per route and you just push a bell button when you want to stop and get off. The best part of a song theaw is that they pick you up anywhere on the road that is within their route; there is no need for waiting at a bus stop. We only have to walk a short distance to a road near our apartment to catch a song theaw to the new campus. We can also take a large bus to near large cities. Most all of our students have motorcycles and carry us when they can but sometimes this is difficult when they want all six of us to come along. Two of our good student friends have cars and have asked us to go traveling on the weekends with them to their hometowns. This weekend get the honor of going to Roiet to a student’s hometown and I know it will be an experience I never forget.

English Camp

This past weekend we had our overnight English camp. Due to limited camp space, we could only allow fifty-five students to sign up. To our surprise, the spots were quickly filled. My team created the theme of “Under the Sea” and planned for two days of fun and God centered lessons and games. We separated everyone into four groups each having at least one of our team members as well as a translator. The sharks, fish, whales, and the best team of all, the dolphins ;), challenged each other in many contests and relay games. The students seemed to really enjoy our hard work and we were able to have many great discussions in our small groups. Our separate rooms created a great forum for one-on-one discussion as well. One of our Thai friends shared his testimony and played the guitar and sang with his wife. It was beautiful and we were very appreciative of him for sharing.

On Sunday afternoon, the students did a surprise for us. They arranged themselves on the stage and perform a song with motions for us. After that they surrounded us in a circle and performed another routine which was so much fun. This display of love furthered showed their friendship and gratitude to us. God is truly blessing me in Thailand and I ask that you continue to pray for my team and the people of Isaan.

Preparation

Preparing for English Camp for Saturday and Sunday! Please be praying for my team and the 50+ students that will be hearing about the love of Christ!

Thai Massage Time

Saturdays are our days off. We use this time to get together with students and explore Mahasarakham or go to one of the nearby cities with our new friends. As we try to split into smaller pairs to stretch our time and impact with the students, often we do not all get to do the same things but this increases our impact on individual lives. This past Saturday, me and Josh had a few hour break before plans with students so we went to get our first Thai massage; hopefully followed with a few more before we leave. One of our students recommended her favorite spot and we could see why. I could not even tell from the outside it was a massage shop but the inside was beautiful and very nice. There were many massage therapists and everyone got there massage beside one another. It was just what we needed to loosen us up and the best part was we got a full body, one hour, authentic Thai massage for about $8 USD. Ginny and Kristen went and did aerobics in the park so I think we will start to do that when have that time free!

Life Groups

Last week was our first attempt at beginning our life groups. These are small groups outside of English class to have English conversation and study the bible. We have now set up five of these and are starting to have interest with the locals. Please continue to pray for these awesome people as we light the darkness.

Language Barrier

English is prevalent through Thailand; however, many do not know any. I am in a largely university students area so many of them have a basis of English. Many of the signs here are written in English or have a few words here and there that I can make out the meaning. I am learning spoken Thai the best I can but because of the limited time and the absence of any background of the language, it is very difficult. There are 5 different tones in the language so the way you say a word gives it multiple meanings. This can get very confusing but often it causes very funny situations. The people are so kind and are excited to help teach me new words and phrases.

Culture

Diversity being the main thing I miss about America, I cannot help to admire the Thai culture. Besides the things you could read on the internet about it, I have found these American habits the hardest to break. Thais do not point as we do. I had to learn to point out things at far distances (only if necessary) with my whole hand. I also had to learn to not use my feet as much as I do at home. Ever notice how many times you move an object on the floor with your foot? Come to Thailand and you will! Americans are much looser with their bodies and I had to learn to sit with my feet hidden and be careful not to nudge someone with my foot; which is more difficult than it seems when you sit on the floor right beside others and all shoes stay outside the building. Lastly, our palm down wave to get away from me is actually how you ask someone to come with you here. Our index finger only turns up to beckon a dog here. I have messed this up a pretty good amount. The way in which respect runs through the culture is beautiful. Even though some people are poor, there are very few homeless people… like maybe we have seen one. Thais help each other out.

Food

First experiences with real Asian food were quite different than what I was expecting. Possibly extremely different than what any of us expected. I figured lots of rice and hoped every restaurant served mandarin chicken. The reality is LOTS of rice and egg? There is definitely no mandarin chicken hah. Egg seems to be a staple item served in, fried on top of, or boiled beside most meals. There is even a pink egg that is sold that translates to “black preserved egg” that is served with some meals that looks quite different from the basic boiled egg. They are dark green, red, and black and are said to be more salty. My favorite meals are ki jeow (omelet with sausage), Pat Thai (noodle mix with small chopped shrimp), and cow pat gui (chicken fried rice)… real adventurous I know. I have tried most everything else with the exception of dog; yes, dog or cat. They eat pretty much any meat here. My favorite meat here is squid because it is the only meat that tastes the same as the other times I have had it. I also get these chicken strips at the small market that I wish I could eat for every meal. Spicy food is everywhere which is fine with me as long as I can determine what I am eating. I was surprised to learn that so many of their foods are deep fried. Almost every vendor has a deep fryer but things are drained so well that nothing seems to be “greasy.”

As for desserts, life is different this side of the world. Carnation canned milk is everywhere and put on or in everything thought to be desert. Many of the desserts contain shredded pork and even more of them, corn, odd at first but honestly very delicious. The best parts about Thai culture are the milk stands (or smoothies haha). They are frequent and delicious. Many flavors and mostly fresh fruit make this heat difficult to complain about.

Weather Update

Closing toward the end of the rainy season, we have been enjoying a heavy rain almost every night as we get into bed. Fortunately, we have only been caught in the rain twice during the day. The heat, however, is a constant. Consistently humid and thick heat engulfs our apartment all day long and we dread going up to bed at nights. The strange thing is, the hottest part of the day, seems to be morning. Josh says it’s probably because the water in the air has not yet been evaporated. I think it’s because Satan knew we would have to walk mainly in the mornings (just kidding). I always take a shower right before bed and my wet hair cools me off through the night. As we walk everywhere, the Thais tell us we are crazy. They say it is too hot and dangerous. The heat I can agree with but the danger is limited to whether attention is paid while walking down the street. Motorbikes are everywhere and seem to own the right of way and other vehicles have to be much more cautious. My only concern will be driving on the right side of the road when I get back to America.

Time Difference

We are 11 hours ahead of Georgia so it took a bit of getting use to for our group. Fortunately, I am nocturnal in America and I fit in perfect in Asia. The three days before I left I slept a collective 4 hours and zero the night before. Our flights consisted of me sleeping here and there what would be during the day for the U.S. and opposite when my teammates slept. When we spent the first night in Bangkok was when I knew what real sleep felt like. I am not sure I have ever felt this good during the day in America haha. The time difference is sad to me though because it becomes very difficult for me to contact any of you back home! I miss you all and will hopefully get to call you more since I cannot Skype with you when you are awake.

Jogging

Running is not very popular in Thailand. I have seen one or two boys running at the university and one of them was wearing his university uniform while doing so. I am unsure of the cultural acceptance of a girl running in public and have only attempted it once with my group at the Rachi Pat (one of the three universities we work with). I am extremely fortunate to have an unoccupied attic space at our apartment that is just big enough to get a full workout. It’s a room about 15’ x 20’ that is just big enough to run circles if you change directions often.

Khon Kaen Trip

On June 12th we got to experience the fourth largest city in Thailand, Khan Kaen. It has a new mall that was the most incredible shopping experience I have ever seen. It had floors and floors of restaurants, stores, businesses, and attractions. Two of our students and one’s sister came as our tour guide and did a great job of showing us around. We even got to eat pizza and see The Prince of Persia in English with Thai subtitles. We are very blessed to be making such good relationships with the students as they share their culture with us and explore ours.

First Glance at Teaching

Today was the second day of teaching English. So far, I have met with three separate classes and over one hundred Thai students. The names are so very similar but I am learning them. The class today took us out to lunch and ordered the best meal I have had yet as well as paid for everything. It was so kind and generous. We are planning a trip to Khon Kaen this weekend to shop and hopefully catch a movie as we build relationships with the awesome students!

Night Market

My favorite experience I have encountered thus far has been the night market. It is open on Friday and Saturday nights and is filled with dozens of vendors’ set-up with lights and selling all sorts of odds and ends. You go with the directional flow of the hundreds of people and sort of veer off to the places you are interested in. I have seen the most variety of the Thai foods, fruits, and other staple items here. There are many clothes and shoe vendors as well. Most of the Thais who were attending were younger and seemed to be hanging out with friends. My best American comparison would be a flea market/mall. Except of course it is at night and much more fun to me. I was able to get a charm bracelet and some local type souvenirs for you guys!

Mani/Pedi

After a much needed polish change, I received the best manicure and pedicure I have ever had. I got French nail tips and designs on all of my toes. They used seaweed scrub and completely massaged my jetlag limbs. The best thing was; it was only 300 baht (about $10 USD). Josh came with me and received his first pedicure ever; minus the designs. I think after the initial freaking out that he the only guy there that he enjoyed the experience. I know I did!


Also.. Check out my sweet new Thai watch. It does crazy things Hah